QPR new boys impressed by ambition

19 June 2012 08:47

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Veteran duo Andrew Johnson and Ryan Nelsen feel they have signed for a club going places after joining QPR on free transfers.

Mark Hughes continued his building plans for next season with the double signing of striker Johnson and defender Nelsen, who will join up at the start of July when their contracts at Fulham and Tottenham respectively expire.

"I have spoken to the chairman and Mark, who both have great ambition for QPR, and it is something that I wanted to be a part of," said former England striker Johnson, 31. Nelson, who has penned a one-year deal, said: "There is a real buzz about the place and it is a privilege to be here."

Hughes worked with Johnson during their time at Fulham, while Nelsen was his player at Blackburn.

Johnson feels he is joining Rangers at an exciting time, the west-London club having secured another season in the top flight on the final day, despite a last-gasp defeat at champions Manchester City, and now under solid leadership following a boardroom takeover.

Johnson said: "I have worked closely with Mark before and there are also players here that I have played with previously, including Bobby Zamora and Shaun Derry. Those were factors in me joining, but this is a big, big club.

"Mark told me about the plans for a new training ground and how the club wants to go forward. That really excited me."

New Zealander Nelson, 34, joined Spurs in January after seven years at Blackburn where he played under Hughes. He said: "The owners have got fantastic ambition and it's exciting to become a part of that."

The defender admitted reuniting with his old boss was a "massive draw".

He said: "I like his winning attitude. He and all his staff just have an absolute desire to win, and that's what the Premier League is all about. If you haven't got that, you won't be successful."